The Basics: Digital Camcorders
Digital video (DV) camcorders come in a range of formats, including MiniDV camcorders that use 1/4-inch tape, DVD models that record to 3-inch discs and hard disk drive (HDD) camcorders that save video and stills to an internal hard disk. Compared to the quickly fading VHS and 8mm analog formats, digital camcorders boast the highest video quality and the best sound. If you are in the market for a camcorder, a digital model should be first on your list.
Digital camcorders are compact and lightweight, and they offer the broadest range of features. Many of the newest DV camcorders are capable of capturing widescreen (16:9) video, specifically intended to match the aspect ratio of widescreen HDTVs. Most also let you take digital still shots, essentially giving you a digital camera as a bonus. However, the quality of stills captured by most digital camcorders can't compare with those obtained from a dedicated stills camera.
The main advantage of digital video is the ease of transferring footage to a compatible computer for some serious editing possibilities. Transfers are made through FireWire (a.k.a. IEEE 1394) or USB 2.0. Unlike any analog format, digital video lets you make digital copies without loss of quality. There is a slight quality loss when copying to VHS or 8mm tape, but it is hardly noticeable since the original video quality is so high.
As mentioned earlier, digital camcorders come in a variety of format options. Despite the growth of new, non-tape formats in recent years, the most popular digital video format is still MiniDV, which offers excellent video and sound quality for a reasonable price. The cost of MiniDV camcorders continues to fall. For example, Canon's MiniDV line starts at well under $300. The small size of MiniDV cassettes lets these camcorders be very compact, and extra MiniDV tapes are easy to find should you run out while on vacation or in the middle of a business trip. The future trend for digital camcorders is definitely a move to non-tape media such as hard drives, recordable DVD and Flash memory, but for now, MiniDV maintains the top position.
DVD camcorders record directly to compact DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW or DVD-RAM (sometimes all of the above), and these discs can in most cases be watched directly on a home DVD player or computer. These camcorders are often more expensive than MiniDV models, and blank DVD media usually costs more than MiniDV cassettes. The advantage of the DVD format is that unlike tapes, the discs don't degrade with repeated playback. Using rewriteable DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM lets you rerecord on the same disc 1,000 (or more) times without any image degradation. Instead of an IEEE 1394 connection, DVD camcorders use USB 2.0 to transfer footage to a computer.
Rapidly growing in popularity are HDD camcorders, which save video data directly to an internal hard disk. On the plus side, these camcorders are very compact, and there is no need to carry along extra blank discs or cassettes. There are almost no moving parts in HDD camcorders, so you won't hear any motor noise in your recordings, and there is less chance of a mechanical breakdown. On the other hand, recorded video can only be downloaded to a computer for archiving or burning to DVD, although this is not a negative for the tech-savvy.
Digital camcorders that save video solely to memory card are generally not for serious home movie enthusiasts. While extremely compact, these units tend to produce low-quality video and short recording capacities, so they are often considered gadgets rather than real camcorders. However, this by no means reduces their usefulness and entertainment value.
The final DV camcorder format is Sony's proprietary Digital8 that records digitally to analog Hi8 and standard 8mm tape. These are discussed here on HowStuffWorks.com.
Five Questions
If you've decided to buy a digital camcorder, here are five simple questions you should consider before you purchase.
1. Which format is right for me?
MiniDV is the most budget-friendly, DVD is best for hassle-free sharing and quick playback and HDD offers huge storage capacities. Each format has its own pros and cons, so consider your priorities to determine the format for you.
2. How will I be using the camcorder?
If you desire hassle-free point-and-shoot operation for recording vacation videos, you won't need the advanced manual controls that someone with serious filmmaking aspirations covets. Decide if you will mainly be shooting outside or inside, in sunlight or in low light and whether you will want to take a lot of digital stills as well as video. Once you know how you intend to use your digital camcorder, it will be easier to decide on the necessary features.
3. Will I want to add accessories either now or in the future?
Before buying, examine the range of accessories available for a particular DV camcorder. If you want to add a video lamp, flash unit or external microphone (among other accessories), make sure the camcorder offers features such as a microphone-in jack, a headphone-out jack and an accessory shoe. If available, you may also want to include an extended-life or backup battery to the package, as well as a wide angle or telephoto lens, a selection of lens filters or even a waterproof housing for shooting video underwater.
4. Does the digital camcorder feel comfortable in my hand?
In addition to features and performance, it is vital that a camcorder be comfortable to handle and operate. For this reason, make sure you try out candidates at an electronics store or camera shop before buying. A unit that handles comfortably for one person may not be comfortable for you if, for example, you have very large hands. An ultra-compact, lightweight DV camcorder might sound great in theory, but if the controls are too small for your fingers, it will be frustrating to use.
5. What is my budget?
There is little point in torturing yourself by looking at top-shelf digital camcorders loaded with high-end features if your budget is firmly locked at $300. Once you know the upper limit of your budget, examine the units in that price range and settle on the model that best satisfies your needs.
How to Shop
For the ultimate in video reproduction, look for a three-CCD (charge-coupled device) digital camcorder, as opposed to the much more common single-CCD design. In a three-CCD camcorder, incoming light is split into its three primary components (red, blue and green), and a separate CCD processes each component into pixels. This produces clearer and more lifelike colors and images, especially in low-light conditions. On the other hand, a single-CCD unit uses one sensor to render the entire color spectrum. While three-CCD models are usually more expensive than their single-CCD kin, the prices are dropping all the time. A three-CCD digital camcorder can now be found for well under $1,000.
The size of the CCD also plays an important role. Generally, the larger the CCD, the better the image quality. The same goes for the number of pixels on the CCD (more pixels equals a sharper image). It is important to ascertain the effective pixel count, which is the number actually used on the CCD, rather than the gross pixel count.
While video is understandably the primary concern for most digital camcorder buyers, the audio should not be overlooked. Most models record digital audio in CD-quality 16- or 12-bit formats, which allow you to record one stereo track with your video and then add another stereo track during editing. The latter is ideal for giving your videos incidental music or a voiceover. DVD camcorders often record digital stereo audio in Dolby Digital sound.
When choosing a camcorder, examine the placement of the built-in microphone. Generally, a front-mounted microphone is preferable, since top-mounted microphones tend to pick up motor noise or unintentional sounds from the camera operator. If audio quality is important to you, then you'll want to choose a unit that gives you the option to add an external microphone. Higher-end models should also offer manual audio controls. With a headphone-out jack, you can monitor the audio as it's recorded and make any necessary adjustments.
As a rule of thumb, the more pixels on the LCD screen of a DV camcorder, the better the quality of the image displayed. You also want to look for a monitor that is large enough to comfortably frame your shots and view previously recorded material. It's a good idea to examine the LCD in daylight, as some screens tend to wash out in bright sunlight. Keep in mind that using the LCD drains the battery much faster, so a quality viewfinder should not be overlooked. Most LCD screens on the latest digital camcorders now come in the widescreen format in order to accommodate the framing and playback of 16:9 widescreen images.
Being able to zoom in on the action is essential, and camcorders generally have both optical and digital zoom ratings. Optical zoom is a function of changing the focal length of the lens, and the higher the optical zoom rating, the better. On the other hand, digital zoom magnifies the actual pixels produced by the CCD, at the expense of resolution and image quality. Many manufacturers advertise 1,000X (or larger!) digital zooms, but images recorded at this zoom level are virtually useless. When shopping for a digital camcorder, look for a high optical zoom rating, but don't let a large digital zoom influence your choice.
Image stabilization is an important feature, because unless the camcorder is placed on a tripod, recordings will undoubtedly suffer from shakes and jostles. Optical image stabilization is the gold standard, as it employs a "floating" design that physically buffers the lens or prism assembly from unwanted motion. Digital stabilization essentially crops the image by removing edge content to counteract camcorder motion, which results in a loss in the effective resolution. Still, digital image stabilization is better than none at all.
Most consumer DV camcorders feature preset exposure settings as well as automatic focus. The more serious you are as a videographer, the more manual controls you'll want on your camcorder. Advanced models offer professional features such as manual controls for white balance, aperture, shutter speed, audio levels and focus, as well as the option of interchangeable lenses and external microphone and video light attachments. Just remember, an expensive, high-end digital camcorder won't instantly transform you into a professional videographer. Similarly, in the hands of a talented camera operator who understands lighting and exposure, a midrange models is capable of producing excellent-quality video images.
Your shopping plan for a DV camcorder should involve a combination of resources, such as online research and feature comparison coupled with a hands-on demonstration at a retail outlet. Once you've settled on the digital camcorder that best suits your needs, compare prices between online and retail suppliers, factoring in delivery times, shipping costs, taxes, and return policies. If you've done your homework, you'll no doubt make a smart DV camcorder purchase.
